Dear Parent/Carer and Student June 2017 Madrid A Level Spanish Study Visit 2017 As you will be aware, our trip to Madrid is fast approaching. In light of this, I have enclosed some important information regarding final arrangements for the visit. Travel Arrangements Transport to the airport from Ashlyns has not been arranged. As such, parents/carers should make arrangements for students to arrive at the entrance to the Departures terminal at London Luton Airport at 11.00am on Monday 10 July in order to meet with the group. Flight details - Flight EZY2203 Departs London Luton Airport at 1:10pm BST. Arrives at Madrid Barajas at 4:40pm CET. Transport to Ashlyns from the airport has not been arranged. As such, parents/carers should make arrangements for students to be collected from the arrivals hall at London Luton Airport at approximately 7:45pm on Friday 14 July. The exact timing of our arrival is approximate, therefore we will keep parents/carers updated on our estimated arrival time as necessary throughout the course of the afternoon and evening. Flight details Flight EZY2204 Departs Madrid Barajas at 5:15pm CET. Arrives at London Luton Airport at 6:45pm BST. Luggage Students are each allocated one item of hand luggage in addition to one item of hold luggage for the trip. Hand luggage should comprise of a rucksack or small sports bag measuring no more than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm including handles and wheels. Any sharp objects (such as scissors, penknives, or some nail files) are not permitted to be carried in cabin baggage. In addition to this, hand luggage may only contain liquids that are stored in containers no bigger than 100ml, and which are carried in a clear, re-sealable plastic bag with maximum dimensions of 20cm x 20cm (If necessary, these can be obtained from the airport). Hold luggage should comprise of a regular-sized suitcase or holdall measuring no more than 275cm (length + width + height) and with a maximum weight of 20kg. Items to pack The summer climate in Madrid is very warm, with average temperatures in July of 25 C. However, these hot days can also result in occasional heavy showers and storms. As such, it is incredibly important that students come prepared for the potential weather conditions. Students should bring sun protection as well as a lightweight waterproof jacket with them. Furthermore, a small rucksack for carrying personal items during the day (such as suncream and water), practical shoes (such as trainers) for walking around the city and lightweight, summer clothing should also be packed.
Safety At various points during the trip, students will be allocated short spells of free time to explore parts of the city in small groups. In addition to this, we will be using a variety of different methods of transport during the visit, including the underground and overground rail network. Whilst Madrid is a very safe place for visitors, unfortunately, as with all large cities, pickpockets do operate within the busy areas and tourist attractions. Whilst many prevention strategies and security methods are in place, these cannot provide a guaranteed solution. As a result, students are urged to leave any particularly valuable items (such as tablets, which they may wish to use on the outbound and return journeys) at the guesthouse during the day. Furthermore, students should ensure that they are aware of their surroundings and be vigilant with their belongings at all times whilst out and about. Wallets, purses, cash, mobile phones and other devices should be kept out of sight, in order to minimise the risk of them being lost or stolen. Any lost/stolen items during the trip should be reported to a member of staff as soon as possible in order that any necessary alternative arrangements can be made and any police reports can be filed. I have also enclosed a copy of the latest travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office relating specifically to Spain. Behaviour Students are expected to uphold the high standards of behaviour required by Ashlyns School. As such, a behaviour contract for the visit is enclosed. Students and parents/carers should complete and sign the contract, before returning to Miss Shaw. Emergency contacts In the event of any emergency, my contact details during the visit will be as follows: Mobile telephone: 07538 228556 Email address: lshaw@ashlyns.herts.sch.uk (checked periodically) Guesthouse contact (Hostal Condestable): 0034 915 31 62 02 If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me and I will be happy to help. Yours sincerely Lianne Shaw Head of Spanish
Foreign travel advice - Spain Still current at: 12 June 2017 Updated: 5 May 2017 Summary There have been several deaths as a result of falls from balconies. Don t take any unnecessary risks. Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Spain. Be alert to the existence of street crime. Thieves tend to target money and passports so don t keep them all in one place. Crime Most visits to Spain are trouble-free, but you should be alert to the existence of street crime, especially thieves using distraction techniques. Thieves often work in teams of two or more people and tend to target money and passports. Don t carry all your valuables in one place, and remember to keep a photocopy or scanned copy of your passport somewhere safe. Many people have their passports stolen while passing through airports, either on arrival in or departure from Spain. Take extra care to guard passports, money and personal belongings when collecting or checking in luggage at the airport, and while arranging car hire. In some city centres and resorts, thieves posing as police officers may approach tourists and ask to see their wallets for identification purposes. If this happens to you, establish that the officers are genuine and if necessary show some other form of ID. Genuine police officers don t ask to see wallets or purses. In any emergency, call 112. To report a crime, including stolen property and lost or stolen passports, please alert a member of staff as soon as possible who will help you to file a police report. While in Spain, you can also call a dedicated English-speaking police line on +34 90 210 2112. Avoid splitting up from your friends, and don t go off with people you don t know. Make sure you lock all doors and windows at night or when you aren t in. Terrorism Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Spain. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. The Spanish authorities take measures to protect visitors, but you should be vigilant and follow the instructions of the local authorities. Spanish police have disrupted a number of groups suspected of recruiting individuals to travel to Syria and Iraq from 2015 to the present date. Some of them expressed an intention to carry out attacks in Europe. There is a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria. You should be vigilant at this time.
Advice for staying safe in the event of a firearms or weapons attack RUN Escape if you can Consider the safest options Is there a safe route? RUN if not HIDE Can you get there without exposing yourself to greater danger? Insist others leave with you Leave belongings behind HIDE If you cannot RUN, HIDE Find cover from gunfire If you can see the attacker, they may be able to see you Cover from view does not mean you are safe, bullets go through glass, brick, wood and metal Find cover from gunfire e.g. substantial brickwork / heavy reinforced walls Be aware of your exits Try not to get trapped Be quiet, silence your phone and turn off vibrate Lock / barricade yourself in Move away from the door ARMED POLICE RESPONSE Follow officers instructions Remain calm Can you move to a safer area? Avoid sudden movements that may be considered a threat Keep your hands in view
Ashlyns School KS5 Spanish Madrid Study Visit ITINERARY Monday 10 July 2017 Students to meet at London Luton Airport 11.00am BST Flight EZY2203 departs London Luton Airport 1:10pm BST Flight EZY2203 arrives at Madrid Barajas 4:40pm CET Metro journey to city centre. Arrive at Hostal Condestable approximately 6:30pm CET Unpacking/settling in time Meet at Hostal reception for evening stroll (local orientation) & dinner 7:30pm CET Dinner at Casa María, Plaza Mayor 8.00pm CET Evening stroll and free time Tuesday 11 July 2017 Meet at Hostal reception 9:00am CET Tour of Congress 10:00am CET Walk to Royal Palace 11:30am CET Royal Palace tour begins - 12:35pm CET Lunch in city Walk to Prado Museum Visit to Prado Museum 3:45pm CET Free time / relaxation until dinner Meet at Hostal reception for dinner 8:15pm CET Dinner Awaiting confirmation Evening stroll and free time Wednesday 12 July 2017 Meet at Hostal reception 8:15am CET Short walk to Sol station Train C4B to Chamartín Station 8:50am CET Train to Segovia AV 9:30am CET Arrive at Segovia AV railway station 10:00am CET Bus 11 to Roman Aqueduct 10:35am CET Arrive at Roman Aqueduct 11:00am CET Tour of Roman Aqueduct 11:20am CET Lunch in city and walk to Casa de Moneda (Royal Mint) (or Bus 8 1:45pm CET) Visit to Casa de Moneda 2:30pm CET Walk to Segovia Alcázar (Fortress) Visit to Fortress Palace, Artillery Museum and Juan II Tower 3:30pm CET Walk back to city centre shopping/free time. Bus 11 back to Segovia AV railway station 5:40pm CET Avant train to Chamartín Station - 6:22pm CET Arrive at Chamartín station 6:50pm CET Train C4B to Sol station Walk back to Hostal Condestable Meet at Hostal reception for dinner 8:30pm CET Dinner at Marieta Restaurant 9:00pm CET Evening stroll & free time BST = British Summer Time (London) CET = Central European Time (Madrid)
Thursday 13 July 2017 Morning free time Meet at Hostal reception for short walk to Callao metro station 11:30am CET Take Metro Line 3 to Argüelles station 11:45am CET Take cable car from Rosales Teleférico stop 12:00pm CET Arrive at Casa de Campo Teleférico stop 12:15pm CET Walk to Parque de Atracciones Afternoon at Parque de Atracciones theme park 12:30pm Lunch at theme park Meet for return to Hostal 6:00pm CET Metro Line 10 from Batán to Príncipe Pío, Metro line R to Opera, walk to Hostal. Meet at Hostal reception for dinner 8:00pm CET Dinner at Rosi La Loca Taberna 8:30pm CET Evening stroll & free time Friday 14 July 2017 Meet at Hostal reception for check out (with luggage) 8:30am CET Short walk to Sol metro station Metro line 1 train to Atocha Renfe station Leave suitcases at left luggage in Atocha Renfe station C2 train to Nuevos Ministerios 9:30am CET Metro Line 10 to Santiago de Bernabeu station Tour of Santiago de Bernabeu Stadium 10am CET Metro Line 10 to Príncipe Pío station & shopping centre. Lunch C10 train back to Atocha Renfe station 1:53pm CET Arrive back at Atocha Renfe station to collect left luggage 2:04pm CET C2 train to Nuevos Ministerios 2:30pm CET Arrive at Nuevos Ministerios and take Metro line 8 to Barajas Airport 2:40pm CET Arrive at Madrid Barajas airport 3:00pm CET Flight EZY2204 departs Madrid Barajas Airport 5:15pm CET Flight EZY2204 arrives at London Luton Airport 6:45pm BST Estimated pick up time (after passport control & baggage collection) 7:45pm BST BST = British Summer Time (London) CET = Central European Time (Madrid)
Ashlyns Madrid A Level Spanish Study Visit 2017 Contract of Good Behaviour As students visiting another country, we recognise that we are not only representing ourselves and our families, but Ashlyns School and our country. Taking part in a cultural visit requires sensitivity to the customs and expectations of others as well as being open minded to new experiences. To this end it is vital that all students exhibit the very best behaviour throughout their visit. We are justifiably proud of our reputation in this area and anxious to maintain our record. You are being asked to acknowledge your responsibility for your behaviour whilst a member of the A level Spanish group to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all involved. I agree to comply with the expectations and requests of my teachers and instructors at all times. I will listen carefully and adhere to safety instructions I will behave with respect in the hotel and in public places I will be polite and co-operative at all times I will treat both teaching staff and instructors/tour guides with respect and obey requests at all times I will not purchase or consume alcohol or have alcohol in my possession Should I not comply with these expectations, I acknowledge that I may be required to return home. Should I be required to return home, the cost of the new travel arrangements will be the responsibility of my parents or carers. Student Signature : Parent/Carer Signature : Date: Please return to Miss Shaw, Head of Spanish. Without a form signed by both student and parent/carer, you will be unable to take part in the trip.